Christmas Traditions - Part II

Today is Part II of our program’s three-part series on our Christmas Traditions. Each member of our program – players and coaches – was asked to describe the special or unique traditions they experience this time of year. Part III will be published on December 25. From our family to yours, we wish you a special time of holiday tradition! Feel free to let us know some of yours. We would love to hear from YOU!

Every year, my father buys my whole family tickets to go see the Nutcracker from les Grands Ballets Canadiens. My siblings and I are pretty tired of watching it and know it by heart, but my dad falls asleep every year at different moments during the show, so he has never actually seen it all. He thinks it’s a new show every year! Another tradition we have is to open our gifts at midnight on the 24th. I also usually end up doing the dishes alone with my mom since I am the youngest! That sums up the Bélanger-Finn Christmas traditions, Joyeux Noël! -- #3 Kathleen Belanger-Finn

In the picture from left to right: Richard, me, Melanie, Eric and Brian

Every year my family does something different. I cannot really say we have a tradition; we have more of a spontaneous get-together at someone's house. The time we are together we laugh, talk, eat and pray. Traditionally Christmas for me is a time to reflect about all that has happened in my life, and see where I would like to be when I am here next year. I also hope that when I have a family of my own we are able to have traditions that last a life time. Happy holiday from my family to yours! -- #44 Sarafina Arthur-Williams
 
Our Christmas traditions are changing and growing as our family changes and grows.  We always go to church on Christmas Eve.  This year my niece, Everly, will be singing with the cherub choir at the early service. My dad also plays in the church band.  After church, we normally get sushi and go to my sister’s house to wrap my niece and nephew’s presents!  Sometimes we have brunch on Christmas morning, and sometimes we have Christmas dinner. This year we will be having brunch at my parents’ house, then my fiancé and I will drive to Philadelphia to have dinner with his family. -- Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Brianna Gauthier

My dad & Everly at church two years ago.  John & my nephew opening presents at Christmas last year, & John & I on Christmas Eve last year.

One tradition that my family has is getting our Chriatmas tree every year.  We go out in the snow and cut one down ourselves.  We then bring it home and decorate it as a whole family. Another family tradition we have is making my grandparents’ famous Chistmas cookies! My brother and I go to their house every year to help them make the cookies.   My poppop cuts out the cookies, my mommom bakes them, and my brother and I decorate them. -- #45 Kaitlyn Eisenhard

My brother, Colin, and I getting our tree.

For as long as I can remember, no matter where we are or how early we open presents on Christmas morning, my family always pauses to read the Christmas story from the Bible, Luke 2:1-20. Unbeknownst to me until we were married, my wife Christy’s family has always done the same. It is a beautiful and simple way to keep the reason for the holiday at the forefront of our minds. On Christmas Eve, my extended family always gathers for a Chinese Gift Exchange, which may not be the best way to spread holiday cheer. – Assistant Coach Josh Keys


Christmas 2011 at football stadium where my dad works: me, wife Christy, mom Lori, sister Jamie and dad Kevin

My family always makes Christmas cookies for the holidays. It's really nice to decorate and bake and share stories with my family by a toasty fire. We end the holidays with a very competitive game of Family Feud. My team always wins of course. But the Leftwich family always knows how to enjoy the time we have together. -- #5 Jayla Leftwich

My favorite Christmas tradition is the joy of spending Christmas with family and extended family that I only get to see over the holidays. Christmas Eve usually consists of cooking, baking, and watching Christmas movies all day long, and that night my family will attend a Christmas Eve church service. My family has a Christmas Eve get-together at my aunt’s house every year. The day after Christmas, we have another get-together but with my dad’s side of the family. I'm really looking forward to spending time with family who will be traveling a long way to visit! -- #12 Kayla Bates


Last Christmas with the seniors from my high school team